Video Game Design Using Game Maker

COURSE SUMMARY

This course will provide an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the world of video game design and development. Participants will learn key programming constructs using GameMaker software (a robust, yet easy-to-use game creation tool). In addition, students will learn to use software to create original graphics and sound engineering software to create and edit sounds for their games. By the end of the course, students will have created a wide variety of video games. Each class will celebrate their accomplishments regularly, by sharing games with their peers for feedback and enjoyment.

The video game creation process has something for everyone. Students will have the opportunity to work independently and in development teams, where everyone will contribute based on their interest and expertise.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

By the conclusion of this course, students will be able to:

Create a variety of games based on samples provided

Sprite

Event

Action

Path

Alarm

Demonstrate an understanding of general programming constructs

Conditional Statements

Loops

Variables

Incorporate existing resources

Graphics (sprites)

Sound

Backgrounds

Create original resources

Graphics

Sound

Create animated sprites

Incorporate user interaction:

Keyboard

Mouse input

Incorporate automated movement of computer objects:

Movement

Paths

Incorporate objects in your games and define a wide range of behaviors (events and actions)

Develop multiple levels for games

Explore a choice of intermediate concepts including:

Gravity

Scrolling scenarios

Projectiles

Incorporate scoring and winning / losing scenarios

Create original games including storyline, characters, rules, levels, scoring

COURSE DATES

VHS courses follow an academic calendar and run for 15 weeks:

Fall 2018

Sept 5th - Dec 18th, 2018 (15 wks)

Spring 2019

January 23rd - May 7th 2019, (15 wks)

PREREQUISITES

This course is an introductory-level game design / development class that does not require a background in computer programming. Students with an advanced level of game development or programming should understand this prior to enrolling in the course.